ALI GRABS LAST-GASP WINNER FOR IRAQ

Alast-gasp free kick conversion by Ali Adnan Kadhim saw Iraq snatch a dramatic come-from-behind (3-2) win over Vietnam in the AFC Asian Cup Group D tie in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

It was an even contest between the Vietnamese ‘Golden Dragons’ and Iraq until the thunderous left-footer by Ali snatched a win for the ‘Lions of Mesopotamia’.

It was a spirited fight by Vietnam who showed intent when Nguyen Quang Hai made early intrusions into the Iraqi box. They kept pushing relentlessly to keep Jalal Hassan Hachim on his toes under the Iraqi bar.

Vietnam finally went ahead after 24 minutes following a terrible mix-up in the box. Vietnamese striker Nguyen Cong Phuong danced down the box but was stopped in his tracks by defender Ali Faez Atiyah. However following the jumble, the ball rolled into the goal as keeper Hachim was way out of his line.

The strike shook up the Iraqis. The response was instant with Mohanad Ali Kadhim testing Vietnam keeper

Dang Van Lam with a sharp header. However, in the 35th minutes, Mohanad Ali Kadhim found his mark when he dodged past Vietnamese defender Do Duy Manh and blasted past the keeper to draw level.

But soon, Vietnam regained lead. Keeper Hachim parried Nguyen Trong Hoang’s shot from the right flank but striker Nguyen Cong Phuong was on to pounce on the rebound for the second goal for Vietnam.

Iraq came close through strikers Ahmed Yaseen Gheni and Mohanad but crossed over trailing 1-2.

Iraqis continued to search for an opening but Vietnam backline was rock-solid. However, in 60th minute, Iraq made it 2-2 with strike from substitute Humam Tareq Faraj. The goal was a result of another rampaging run from Mohanad in the box but his shot was blocked by the keeper. The rebound, however, fell at the feet of Faraj, who did the rest for the equaliser. The Iraqis continued in the same vein and clinched a winner with a last-minute free-kick coming after a foul on Safaa Hadi by defender Nguyen Phong Hong Duy. And defender Salim buried a leftfooted stunner past five red shirts in the wall to the right corner of the goal to clinch victory.

Iraq now sit second behind Iran with three points, followed by Vietnam and Yemen.